A Year Shaped by Community Partnership

When I reflect on what defines this school year, two words rise to the top: engagement and gratitude. A year ago, we were facing significant uncertainty with deep budget cuts, declining enrollment, and questions about how these challenges might impact our school community. What happened instead revealed the true character of our staff, students, and community.

Despite the obstacles, our staff remained focused and innovative, our students excelled in every arena, and our community rallied in extraordinary ways. Cardinals Rising brought in more than $264,000, allowing us to preserve programs, maintain staffing, and keep class sizes more manageable. That support not only strengthened learning opportunities but also created a renewed sense of unity and pride throughout our district.

Because of your continued commitment, our students are thriving with achievements, attendance, and enrollment is on the rise, while behavioral incidents continue to decline. The recent “yes” vote has stabilized our funding and ensured a strong foundation for the future. We are profoundly grateful for the engagement, partnership, and care you show our schools. Our students reflect the excellence of our dedicated staff, supportive families, and a community that truly believes in them.

Thank you for supporting us!

Charlie Bakker, AHS Principal

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, November 21 - AHS Fall Play
Saturday, November 22 - AHS Fall Play
Monday, November 24 - Safe Communities of Wright County
Monday, November 24 - AES Parent Advisory Council
Monday, November 24 - School Board Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
Monday, December 1 - AMS Parent Teacher Conferences (Sign Up Coming Soon)
Monday, December 1 - AMS Choir Concert @ AHS
Wednesday, December 3 - AES Unity Day
Monday, December 8 - AHS Choir Concert
Monday, December 8 - AHS Conferences
Thursday, December 11 - 6th Grade Band Concert @ AHS
Monday, December 15 - AHS Jazz Tunes and Treats
Monday, December 15 - School Board Meeting w/Truth in Taxation Meeting
Friday, December 19 - 6th Grade Powder Ridge Field Trip
Monday, December 22 - Winter Break Begins

Annandale Voters Approve Operating Levy Referendum

Voters in the Annandale Public School District have approved an operating levy that will provide approximately $1.4 million annually ($750 per pupil) for 10 years.

The referendum was approved by a margin of 520 votes, 56.3% approved to 43.7% declined. All election results are unofficial.

This is a significant step forward to help stabilize the district’s finances and address ongoing budget deficits. The levy will support day-to-day school expenses, including teacher and staff salaries, classroom supplies, programming, utilities and routine maintenance.

“This is an exciting moment for our district, and we are grateful to our community,” said Superintendent Tim Prom. “We want to continue our district’s legacy of excellence, and with this new funding, we believe we can.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Annandale community for coming together to support our schools,” said School Board Chair Katie Jones. “Funding from this levy will address our current needs and help prevent deep cuts going forward.”

The district has faced mounting financial pressures in recent years, driven by rising costs and inadequate state funding. With the passage of the levy, Annandale Public Schools can now move forward with greater financial stability and a renewed focus on student success.

For more information, please visit CardinalExcellence.org or contact Superintendent Tim Prom at tprom@isd876.org.

Here for You—This Season and Always

As we head into the colder months and the busy holiday season, we know this time of year can bring added challenges for some families. Whether you’re experiencing food insecurity, housing or utility concerns, clothing needs, or difficulty covering holiday expenses—please know you’re not alone.

Our school social workers are here to connect families with local resources and programs that can provide support with:

Groceries and meals
Housing or utility assistance
Clothing or winter gear
Holiday support for children and families

All requests are handled confidentially and with care.

If your family could use a little extra support, we encourage you to reach out to your school’s social worker:

Stacie Braun, Elementary School Social Worker sbraun@isd876.org | 320-274-8218

Olivia Braun, Middle School Social Worker obraun@isd876.org | 320-274-8226

Lori Steffen, High School Social Worker lsteffen@isd876.org | 320-274-8208

Our community cares—and together, we can ensure every Annandale family has the support they need this season. ❤️

Celebrating Our Educational Support Staff (ESS) Award Recipients

Each fall, Resource Training & Solutions hosts the Educational Support Staff (ESS) Recognition Event to honor the many dedicated individuals who keep our schools running - bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service staff, and more!

Annandale Public Schools is proud to announce this year’s ESS honorees:

Annandale High School: Ms. Jan Gunderson — for the warmth, professionalism, and passion Jan brings to AHS each day.
Annandale Elementary School: Janelle Hoffman and Meagan Juhl —for their outstanding service and excellence in their roles. Their teamwork, compassion, and consistent support for students and staff make them invaluable members of the Cardinal community.
Annandale Middle School: Nicole Miceli — honored for the positive impact she makes on both students and staff.

We’ll celebrate these outstanding staff members at the ESS Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, November 19, hosted by Resource Training & Solutions. Congratulations to Jan, Janelle, Meagan, and Nicole—and thank you for all you do to support our students and schools!

Upcoming Through Community Education

Discover something for everyone with Annandale Community Education! From early childhood programs to lifelong learning opportunities for seniors, we offer classes, events, and activities for all ages and interests. Explore new skills, connect with others, and make the most of what our vibrant community has to offer.

View ECFE Options

View Youth Programs

Annandale Preschool

Let's stuff the police car during this Pawsta Patrol food drive!

We will continue to collect pasta, pasta sauce, and Mac 'n' Cheese for the Annandale Food Shelf through Thursday, November 20. Donations can be dropped off in our Community Education/Preschool Office.

On the morning of Friday, Nov. 21 members of the Annandale Police Department will come to pick up the items.

Thank you for your contributions!

Annandale Elementary (AES)

Congratulations to our October Students of the Month!

Happy Hands, Happy Yards!

Each year, Mary Barkley Brown with Youth First coordinates the volunteer opportunity of leaf raking for Annandale Elementary classrooms.

Homeowners are selected to receive leaf raking assistance from our students based on community need or circumstances that may make yard maintenance more difficult. Classrooms are able to choose if they wish to participate - this year we had 27 (K-5) homeroom classes participate!

Annandale Middle School (AMS)

The AMS staff look forward to discussing and celebrating the growth and accomplishments of our middle school students at parent teacher conferences on December 1 from 3:30-6:30PM. An invite to sign-up will be emailed to families next week.

Power Hour - AMS Academic Support After School

The program is a great opportunity for students to receive additional instruction after school on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00PM. Students are able to sign up via google classroom. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Mastley @ tmastley@isd876.org.

Upcoming Events:

November 27-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 1: Grades 6-8 Choir Concert 7PM @ AHS
December 4: Midterm for Quarter 2
December 11: 6th Grade Band Concert 6PM @ AHS
December 19: 6th Grade Powder Ridge Field Trip
December 22: Winter Break Begins

Annandale High School (AHS)

On October 22, Annandale High School hosted its 5th Annual Career Speaker Day, welcoming 38 amazing professionals from across the community! Students had the opportunity to explore a variety of careers, learn about education and training paths, and gain valuable advice for achieving their goals. A huge thank you to all of our speakers for sharing your time, experience, and inspiration with our students — your impact makes a difference!

We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to support our students’ futures!

Annandale High School Theater Department Presents:

Tales from the Edge of Everywhere

Step into a world of whimsy, wonder, and nostalgia! Join us for a magical compilation of stories and poems by Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak, and Jack Prelutsky — brought to life by our talented Annandale students.

Showtimes (Doors Open 30 Minutes Prior):

Friday, November 21 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Note: If the Annandale Cardinal Football Team advances to the State Championship, Saturday’s shows will be moved to Sunday, November 23 — same times!

Tickets (available at the door): Adults – $8 | Students & Seniors – $5

Location: Annandale High School Theater

Come support your local theater and celebrate the timeless tales that shaped our imaginations.

KRDS News

Be sure to check out Annandale High School's KRDS News on YouTube. Click here for the most recent episodes that air each Friday.

Congratulations to our most recent Seniors of the Week

Annandale Activities

State Football

Annandale vs. Minneapolis North

Saturday, Nov. 15

4:30 PM @ US Bank Stadium

On the morning of Friday, November 14 the following students participated in our fall athletic signing day to establish their commitment to continue play during their collegiate career. Congratulations to;